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Submitted by
Jacko82
a Cross Country Rider
from York
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | Dolby Forest, Lakes rides | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Too long ago to reme | | Strengths: | Very light weight saddle, well designed and looks the dogs b's........ | | Weaknesses: | Take's a while to bed in........pampers recommended! | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Turbo | | Bike Setup: | Orange patriot, XTR, XT, SLX, Juicy Ultimate F/R, | | Bottom Line: | Got my first Flite Ti saddle in the early 90's and i have had 2 since then. Brilliant saddle! They last ages and i hammer off road all over the place. The only downer is that they take a few good rides to bed in properly. Overall i highly recommended this saddle! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mrmut
a Cross Country Rider
from Dubo Selo, Croatia
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | XC | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Strengths: | It is a saddle. | | Weaknesses: | It hurts. | | Similar Products Used: | Many others. | | Bike Setup: | Woodoo Wanga / FOX / etc. | | Bottom Line: | It don't like this saddle. Had it for a year and we've never got into a nice relationship. It hurts.
I've tried many more and stopped with Selle Italia SLK. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marco
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Almost nothing at bike trade show | | Strengths: | Light, looks good, and comfortable for such a minimal saddle. | | Weaknesses: | Pointy end sometimes a pain on steep uphill climbs. | | Similar Products Used: | Dozens of bike seats | | Bike Setup: | Mountain | | Bottom Line: | I got this seat for almost nothing (from the manufacturer) at a European bike show back in the early '90s. It was painted gold with red lettering on the front. Certainly not as comfortable as a broken-in Brooks, it was pretty comfortable for a minimalist saddle; I rode it hard for 3-4 years until it was completely worn out. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | online | | Weaknesses: | Redesigned for 2007. It is not the same saddle at all. Paper-thin leather covering wore through along the back edge after 3 rides negotiating simple (XC) drops on the North Shore. And this is wearing lycra not cordura. Selle Italia actually claims the saddle is worthy of freeriding what a joke. | | Similar Products Used: | Previous flite it was fine actually got 2 years out of it before it blew apart. | | Bike Setup: | Blur, Fox, Raceface, XT XC setup | | Bottom Line: | Don't even think about it if you ride off road. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Dearborn, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | PricePoint.com | | Strengths: | The Selle Italia Flite Genuine Gel saddle was fairly comfortable for its first season in use. It has Titanium rails which make it strong and fairly light. It's an affordable saddle that is available in many different colors (I chose blue) and its Kevlar sides protect it from your filthy legs... just kidding. | | Weaknesses: | OUCH!!! After about a year, the saddle became very hard, and after long rides my, ahem, "boys down stairs" would become numb. I couldn't have this! My unborn children demanded a comfortable saddle that could go the distance. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB Laser V TI Team Saddle (a much better improvement!); Black and Blue WTB saddle that came stock on my old Gary Fisher. | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakar XC Frame, Manitou Elite Black Forks, Fox Float R Rear Shock, Mavic XC 717 Rims, Shimano XT Disk Hubs (front & rear), Old School Shimano XT Crank, Shimano XT ES71 Splined Bottom Bracket, Speedplay Frog Pedals, Shimano XT Front Dérailleur, Shimano XT Rear Dérailleur, Shimano XT 9 Speed Shifters (front & rear), Shimano XT 9 Speed Cassette, Shimano XTR/Dura-Ace 9 Speed Chain, Avid BB5 Disk Brakes (front & rear), Old School Avid 1.0 Brake Levers, Cane Creek Headset, WTB Laser V Saddle, Avid Flack Jacket Housing/Cable (shift & brake) | | Bottom Line: | If you're a little guy (no offence pee wee), this saddle might be the right fit for you... but for me it wasn't! It was tolerable for awhile, but I have since moved on to greener pastures. If you're looking for an affordable saddle that looks neat and has TI rails, I say buy it, but if you plan on having children within your life time, look else ware. Once this saddle wares out, it's really no good! Riding this saddle I finally knew what the phrase, “numb-nuts” really meant. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Dearborn, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | PricePoint.com | | Strengths: | The Selle Italia Flite Genuine Gel saddle was fairly comfortable for its first season in use. It has Titanium rails which make it strong and fairly light. It's an affordable saddle that is available in many different colors (I chose blue) and its Kevlar sides protect it from your filthy legs... just kidding. | | Weaknesses: | OUCH!!! After about a year, the saddle became very hard, and after long rides my, ahem, "boys down stairs" would become numb. I couldn't have this! My unborn children demanded a comfortable saddle that could go the distance. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB Laser V TI Team Saddle (a much better improvement!); Black and Blue WTB saddle that came stock on my old Gary Fisher. | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakar XC Frame, Manitou Elite Black Forks, Fox Float R Rear Shock, Mavic XC 717 Rims, Shimano XT Disk Hubs (front & rear), Old School Shimano XT Crank, Shimano XT ES71 Splined Bottom Bracket, Speedplay Frog Pedals, Shimano XT Front Dérailleur, Shimano XT Rear Dérailleur, Shimano XT 9 Speed Shifters (front & rear), Shimano XT 9 Speed Cassette, Shimano XTR/Dura-Ace 9 Speed Chain, Avid BB5 Disk Brakes (front & rear), Old School Avid 1.0 Brake Levers, Cane Creek Headset, WTB Laser V Saddle, Avid Flack Jacket Housing/Cable (shift & brake) | | Bottom Line: | If you're a little guy (no offence pee wee), this saddle might be the right fit for you... but for me it wasn't! It was tolerable for awhile, but I have since moved on to greener pastures. If you're looking for an affordable saddle that looks neat and has TI rails, I say buy it, but if you plan on having children within your life time, look else ware. Once this saddle wares out, it's really no good! Riding this saddle I finally knew what the phrase, “numb-nuts” really meant. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a Racer
from Fort Collins
Date Reviewed: April 19, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | marzocchi | | Strengths: | light, has cool looking embroidered marzocchi M on it. | | Weaknesses: | Not good for long rides. | | Similar Products Used: | Stock Treck saddle | | Bike Setup: | hard tail, specialized road saddle | | Bottom Line: | Worked okay for shorter rides but the butt got numb on the longer ones. I like long epic rides and this just doesn't fit the bill. I am kind of a beginer but ride enough to know that my butt is accustomed to the saddle. I will be racing collegiate in the fall and want to get into distance races, marathons, when my fitness level comes around. I am switching saddles. Got this through Marzocchi. Looks cool and is light but doesn't perform as well as I expected. My specialized road saddle is more comfortable than this. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Murray, KY
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Canal Loop, LBL | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Internet | | Strengths: | Looks Super Cool! | | Weaknesses: | Uncomfortable, causes numbness and possible reproductive harm! | | Similar Products Used: | Several WTB's, lots of saddles. | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail with Reba fork | | Bottom Line: | I went for years convinced that this was a great saddle, and like everyone else, I thought it was cool. Well I am here to tell you, don't sacrifice comfort! This thing is awful, it is peaked in the middle, it goes right up the middle of your butt. There are many Many alternatives to this, my current favorite is WTB laser V. Why do this to your butt when there are much better alternatives out there. This thing made me numb after road rides, and on a MTB, you might as well forget it! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ROD
a Cross Country Rider
from CNY
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Plain jane leather with no stitching, gel or embroidery is the way to go. If you can find the older contour version, it is better. Chromo rails hold up much better and a bit better ride with them. The lighter versions are strictly for racers and weight weenies and not to comfy. | | Weaknesses: | Lol, 15 years later and there is nothing better! | | Similar Products Used: | tried alot of em | | Bike Setup: | Which one? Well they all have flites on em! | | Bottom Line: | The basic flite works well for all aspects of riding. The smooth surface is great for moving around on the saddle. The narrow long nose is great for outa the saddle clearance and you can get your butt way forward on seated climbs. The rear of the saddle is narrow enough to easily behind for the downhills yet perfect size for the sit. Ive read some reviews about it being hard and making there bums sore. You put the padding in the shorts, not in the saddle. A real good pair of shorts is the answer. A saddle with caddilac seat padding will give your hemroids hemroids! If you a xc type trail rider then Your handle bar height should be no higher than your seat height. This keeps alot a weight off yur bottom as well as giving you a much better riding position and better control. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Emery
a Weekend Warrior
from MntBrook, AL
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Utilitarian smooth black leather version w/o gimmicks, channels or silicone enhancements. Easy to move around on and lite. Durable. | | Weaknesses: | After many wet rides over several years, the glue holding the leather to the plastic base dry rots. White saddles seem less durable and loose color. | | Similar Products Used: | BDG/Giant, Spec Body Geometry Race & Comp,Selle Italia Turbo (1988 and still perfect on hardtail), cheap 1980's gel/fabric saddles, other Flites since 1993. | | Bike Setup: | Blur, pushed fox rp3 '06, minute 3, Mavic/HighRollers, Avid Juicy 7, xtr/xt/raceface, salsa/thompson, candys | | Bottom Line: | I cannot comlain. It has been since 1998 when I purchase the saddle I use now and it is still in good shape and has not started to de-glue. If you ride in wet areas, do not use a saddle bag since it may retain moisture under the seat and cause the leather to debond...over years.
OK, this is a great saddle, if you want more cush, wear two pairs of bike shorts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod Munch
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, CA
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Stabbin' Cabin Rampage | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | stolen from X's boyfriend | | Strengths: | Still the sexiest saddle made, could make a Huffy look fast & light. Great fit. | | Weaknesses: | Back edges coming unglued a bit | | Similar Products Used: | Lots of saddles from '87 or so... from blue suede to perf'd leather Turbos to narrow Bontrager's to WTB droopnoses to pain inducing Specialized Body Geometries. | | Bike Setup: | '04 Hammerhead 100X w/F100RLC, Float R Propdedal, Magura Martas & Pro XC wheelset, XTR, XT, Race Face & Sette | | Bottom Line: | Discovered a nice Flite Ti from my girlfriend's X's parts bin... decided to give it a try. Felt hard as a rock to the touch, but turned out to be one comfy saddle. Still the sexiest saddle to grace a bike frame, and at 230g [actual weight] or so, tough to beat the weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wigbanker
a Weekend Warrior
from Newport Beach
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Aliso Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Revo Cycles | | Strengths: | Light | | Weaknesses: | Very painful/uncomfortable | | Similar Products Used: | None - only ever ridden Flites | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Prophet custom build | | Bottom Line: | This is my third Flite saddle and the worst so far. The first two lasted years, were just about comfortable enough and were hardwearing. However, I just couldn't get comfortable on my latest one and yesterday the ti rail broke. Thank god it did - now I can buy a more comfortable saddle and save my manhood. There are plenty of saddles out there these days for the same price or less that are far more confortable, stronger and durable. The Flite was a winner when it came out but is an now an outdated design and no longer deserves the reputation it holds. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
clarkgriswald
a Cross Country Rider
from Grand Rapids, Mi USA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | National | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | hammerheadbikes | | Strengths: | None, this is for the Storika Saddle | | Weaknesses: | Rail broke at 3 months. | | Similar Products Used: | Flite | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Titus quasi motto | | Bottom Line: | The rail on this saddle snapped. The only riding I had been doing was commuting. No trail riding, no drops, no rough and rocky trails, just commuting on city streets. Mailed seat back to Hammerhead in April. They mailed it to Quality? Who then mailed it to Italy. I've spoken with Charles and his hands are tied until Sella notifies Quality. I should not have to wait this f**king long to get resolution. This will be my last saddle that has to return to Italy for warranty. POS $130 saddle. Value: no friggin chilis. Overall: no firggin chilis Who should buy, no one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J J
a Cross Country Rider
from Kalamazoo, MI
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Fort Custer | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Performancebike | | Strengths: | Lightweight, comfortable, good value | | Weaknesses: | Needs to be broken in, can be quite a painful experience | | Similar Products Used: | Velo Saddles | | Bike Setup: | Its a bike.... a fisher bike.... | | Bottom Line: | Old Velo saddle was causing my rear end to fall asleep. Decided to try the Flite since it had a very good review. First time riding with it, experience harrowing pain after the ride on my sit bones. Took a closer look at my setup, noticed that my sit bones were not really "placed" at the saddle wings (rear wide portion of the saddle). Since the saddle rellies on the deformable shell for suspension, positioning is really important. After several rides later, saddle is very comfortable, definitely better than my old velo. I'm 5'8', medium frame, 158lb. If you're about my size and looking for a new saddle, give it a shot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ricky deLeyos
a Cross Country Rider
from College Park, MD
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Gambrill | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$54.00 | | Strengths: | Good shape, durable, comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't last forever! | | Similar Products Used: | WTB, SLR, and a dozen others | | Bike Setup: | Matt Chester Utilitiman, Flite Saddle. | | Bottom Line: | I've used this saddle since it came out 13 years ago. Not the same one, mind you, but probably over a dozen on a dozen bikes I've owned in that time.
This is a very comfortable saddle. I love the shape of it, and I think my butt and tuberosities have conformed to the shape of this saddle through the thousands of miles its been through.
I've tried many other seats as well, and the only other one that comes close to this one in comfort is the original WTB (the one with the droopy nose, and all leather cover). However, I didn't like that one's wide rear because it was harder to slide over the back during steep downhills.
Sure this saddle tears, but I haven't had another one that did any better. I hated the kevlar-cladded versions of these saddles because they were rougher on your shorts, plus they didn't "slip" as much as the leather ones do. (I like it when a saddle's a little slippery - it makes it easier to pedal.)
Of course, saddles are very subjective. What works for me may not work for you. However, I am sold on its quality and engineering. It's simply a great saddle.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Kuala Lumpur
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Kiara | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Comfortable for that little cushion saddle,Good for long distance.
| | Weaknesses: | It's gonna hURT like hell if u like saddles with soft cushion... :P | | Bottom Line: | It's a GOOD SADDLE if you get used to it for that weight and with that cushioning that's good enough for me. I've used mine for sometime had it on a road and mountain bike doensn't give me saddle sores. It might not be comfy if you're using it the first time or a beginner who previously rode with saddle that provide thick soft cushinoning but put a little more time on it and if you're still hurting like hell you'd better get another saddle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martijn
a Cross Country Rider
from Holland
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$22.00 | | Purchased At: | www.salden.nl | | Strengths: | light weight
looks
comfy enough for me | | Weaknesses: | for me, none. | | Similar Products Used: | San Marco Era K
San Marco Concor
Cheap OEM saddles on various bikes. | | Bike Setup: | 2003 GT Avalanche 1.0 Disc | | Bottom Line: | The one I have is a 1998 model - special offer - paid only 20 euro's for it!
That's a great deal! 80 euro for the 2003 model is quite expensive though.
Value for money for 20 euro's: 5/5
Value for money for 80 euro's: 2/5
Overall rating: for a saddle that's very personal, for me: 5 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Maxx Lee
a Racer
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | $55.00 | | Strengths: | Minimalist, ageless design. Comfy, light and sturdy.
Nothing extra required.
Used it for 6 years and about 18,000 miles. Never failed me. Changed around to other saddles just to get a different feel, hasn't surpassed this by very much really. | | Weaknesses: | A little thin on padding, needs a little breaking in and not suitbable for a large proportion of hip/butt shapes.
Love it or hate it. Its just it .... | | Similar Products Used: | Selle San Marco Era Pro
Selle Italia Turbomatic 3
Selle Italia Flite Transam GelFlow
Selle Italia SLR
Selle Italia SLK GleGlow '03
Selle Italia Fluid | | Bike Setup: | Colnago CT-1 '01, Dura-Ace gruppo, DA SPD-SL pedals, Mavic Ksyrium SSC SL, Conti GP3000 tyres. Deda Stem and handlebar, Selle Italia SLK Gelflow '03, Nokon cables. | | Bottom Line: | "Not for everyone's butt".
But haven't found anything significantly better since either .... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew O'Gorman
a Cross Country Rider
from Griswold
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | came with used bike | | Strengths: | light weight | | Weaknesses: | extremely painfull | | Similar Products Used: | WTB Gel | | Bike Setup: | 98 Merlin Taiga, XTR, Mavic Cross-Link wheels | | Bottom Line: | This seat doesn't fit everyone, if it hurts after 10 miles don't convince yourself that it needs to break in. This seat caused pain on my seat bones to the point where I could no longer enjoy the ride. I had pain in the prostate for 2 full days after. I switched to a WTB gel saddle that same night and my rides since have been problem free. The weight difference is not worth the sacrifice in comfort. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Simms
a Racer
from Williamsburg,VA USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | It's a secret | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | came on a bike I bought | | Strengths: | Comfortable and well made | | Weaknesses: | not cheap | | Similar Products Used: | Turbo(yeccht), Vetta, Velo | | Bike Setup: | 22lb AMP full suspension | | Bottom Line: | I'd had pain and numbness from the Turbo saddle that was on my first bike. I bought a used Swinn/Paramount from a local sponsored Schwinn rider and was horrified at seeing such a minimalist sadle on it. I wanted to test this pro level bike more than I wanted to take the time to swap over to the Vetta gel tracktor seat I had to use in order to have a sex life. As soon as I jumped on I was amazed at the comfort level. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Simms
a Racer
from Williamsburg,VA USA
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | It's a secret | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | came on a bike I bought | | Strengths: | Comfortable and well made | | Weaknesses: | not cheap | | Similar Products Used: | Turbo(yeccht), Vetta, Velo | | Bike Setup: | 22lb AMP full suspension | | Bottom Line: | I'd had pain and numbness from the Turbo saddle that was on my first bike. I bought a used Swinn/Paramount from a local sponsored Schwinn rider and was horrified at seeing such a minimalist sadle on it. I wanted to test this pro level bike more than I wanted to take the time to swap over to the Vetta gel tracktor seat I had to use in order to have a sex life. As soon as I jumped on I was amazed at the comfort level. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andreas
a
from Regensburg
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | light, well manufactured, comfortable, good looking | | Weaknesses: | expansive, kevlar protection would be great | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia TurboMatic Quattro, Selle Italia SPX, Ritchey Vector Wing | | Bike Setup: | I bought it for this: Dynamics Eagle FS, Judy XC, SID, LX/XT, HS33, Schwalbe Fat Albert...
but now it is on my steel-bike. | | Bottom Line: | A really great saddle!
You have to get used to it once, because it is very hard, but then there is only pleasure.
I will buy it again, but maybe the Flite Kevlar... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steven
a Racer
from Rutland, VT
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$68.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | Comfort, light weight, quality, good looks | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Vetta TransAlp AT (2nd favorite) | | Bike Setup: | xc full susp, steel hardtail, ti road bike | | Bottom Line: | I've been using these saddles on almost all of my bikes for years, the exceptions being the Vetta on another hardtail and an Azonic on the DH rig. The Flite is the saddle that set the mark for comfort/performance in the early 90's and in my opinion hasn't been eclipsed yet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Bay Area CA
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | e-bay | | Strengths: | Light weight, good looks, comfort, No silly crevices or cut outs. | | Weaknesses: | cant think of any right now. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB, Coda, Specialized, San Marco, Terry Fly, | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz SL set up just right for me. | | Bottom Line: | First of all I think saddles are very personal and difficult to find one that fits without actually going for a ride.
After using the Terry fly for over a year, I wanted a saddle
that had a little less padding. The terry has a large cut out that is supposed to relieve numbness. Well it didn't.
When the Flite arrived on my doorstep I thought i had made a big mistake. This saddle was of course very light, but when I felt the lack of padding I was a little nervous and cringed at the thought of a ride on this rock hard saddle. After installing and proper adjustment I went for a ride. To my surprise it was quite comfortable. Even more surprising was the lack of numbness in my hotdog! I dont know how this saddle would perform on a very long ride, but on rides up to 25-30 miles it is money.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stampertje
a Weekend Warrior
from The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: February 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | www.salden.nl | | Strengths: | Light weight, green, not too expensive | | Weaknesses: | Uncomfortable :( | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Royal Blast (much worse), stock ("concept") saddle on my hybrid, Brooks Conquest, Lepper Voyager | | Bike Setup: | Surly CrossCheck | | Bottom Line: | It may work for many but it just don't fit my...
Actually, it seems that the top is a little to curved (laterally) for me. Or something. I've had worse, but I've had much better. I'm getting another Brooks, I'll keep this one around if I'm going to race. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Hawaii
Date Reviewed: January 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | little bit of this, little bit of that... | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Waipahu Bicycle and Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | Comfy. Light. Doesn't hook your shorts. Can find it at a reasonable price. | | Weaknesses: | Can be a little slippery when wet, with the smooth leather cover. Edges starting to wear a bit. | | Similar Products Used: | SDGs, Vettas, San Marco something. | | Bike Setup: | Murry with Syncros Ti post. | | Bottom Line: | This past Saturday, hopped on the bike, started to ride to the trail head with the gang. Something felt weird. Seat QR was tight, seat to post was tight, what's up? Oh, broken rail. Wonder when that happened?
After many miles, I managed to crack the right rail, right behind where the clamp is. The clamp is smooth and doesn't have any burrs or rough spots, so I figure it's from running the seat as far forward as it will go in the post, and getting lazy and sitting on the seat so much with my 160#.
I found this seat to be very comfortable, though it took some time to break in. Going to replace it with another flite with kevlar corners. Riding a borrowed flite, one that's not molded to my butt and a wee bit sore. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Howard
a Cross Country Rider
from Valdosta, GA
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Bridge to Bridge FL | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | The internet (cheapest co.) | | Strengths: | Stong, light, long. | | Weaknesses: | Hard as steel! I'm on my second one. The first was on a FS, and I left it there when it was sold. I wanted to try it again on my hard tail, and either it takes years to break in, or it doesn't like my butt!
This may be a great saddle for gram counters, but for less money you can get more seat that is better to ride on. | | Similar Products Used: | Most stock seats; Cannondale, Speacialized. Bike Nash bar, wilderness trails | | Bike Setup: | My hard tail is a Cannondale F900, mix of coda and XT, I use this one for road miles and raceing. | | Bottom Line: | If you like super hard seats you may like this saddle, but me if I want to take a long ride, (20+) I have to wear the thick padded shorts.
I have a tough butt, but after many miles will still be sore after a long or bumpy ride.
On the up side this saddle is light! (228g) (w/Ti rails) but add the shorts weight and you have a heavy saddle anyway. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a Racer
from slc
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the steeper the better | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | strength | | Weaknesses: | comfort! | | Similar Products Used: | Terrry Fly, Dragonfly, BG, Fizik, | | Bike Setup: | Too much to list. | | Bottom Line: | This saddle is a leather cover over a board. If you want kids or sex stay off! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MTBSEA
a Cross Country Rider
from seattle,wa
Date Reviewed: October 4, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | The old redmond watershed (good trails are all gone now) | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$69.00 | | Purchased At: | BikePro> | | Strengths: | weight, durability, looks, comfort | | Weaknesses: | comfort, but considering the weight - by far the most comfortable in that weight class | | Similar Products Used: | avocet, selle san marco, stock Kona saddle, stock Coda saddle | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale hard-tail w/Headshock, XTR/XT, Disc brakes, selle italia flight | | Bottom Line: | Selle Italia Flite - titanium rails
I bought this saddle 7 years ago mostly because it was one of the lightest saddles at the time. I found it to be quite comfortable and I've used it on 4 different bikes.
I just purchased a brand new Cannondale with a stock Coda saddle. I decided to replace the saddle and thought about buying a new saddle.
When my bikes start getting old I start to really neglect them. I left my old bike outside, exposed to the rain (Seattle weather) and cold, for well over a year. I decided to take another look at the Flite saddle to see if I wanted to get another one. Suprisingly, I noticed that my Flite saddle had very little wear and no holes, whatsoever. I removed it from my old bike and cleaned it up with some soap and water. It looked like it was only a few months old! I decided to treat it with leather preserve and polish it up and use it instead of buying a new one. I put it on my new bike and it looks almost new with just one scuff mark.
This saddle is over 7 years. I've put somewhere between 10,000 - 15,000 miles on it, mostly off road. I've ridden it in the rain (Seattle), snow and in the Arizona and California desert (115 degree plus weather). I think I've only treated it maybe 3 times with leather preserve. And I left it outside exposed to the weather for well over a year. It still looks relatively new, with just one scuff mark. The Selle Italia logo is not even worn. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Looks good, well made. | | Weaknesses: | Uncomfortable, expensive. | | Similar Products Used: | Coda (viscount?) that came with my Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | 4 year old Cannondale hardtail | | Bottom Line: | This saddle has proven considerably less comfortable than the Coda badged saddle that it replaced. After several months of riding, I was getting used to it but it has certainly never been entirely comfortable.
After a 25 mile ride yesterday after a six month hiatus, this the Flite has proven the most painful saddle I have ever used- the Coda and WTB saddles that I have used after similarly long breaks were much more comfortable than the Flite.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from Hampshire, IL USA
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Mail Order Catalog | | Strengths: | Durability, weight | | Weaknesses: | Shape | | Similar Products Used: | WTB, Coda, Selle Italia TurboMatic, Bontrager, Avocet Touring, Koobi | | Bike Setup: | I have had Flite saddles on road bikes, tandems, mountain bikes. | | Bottom Line: | At first I liked it. I bought flight saddles for all my bikes. The firmness let me sit on my bones and the saddle did not push up on my tender parts. I liked the firmness and shape better than any other saddle. I rode Flites for at least 5 years. HOWEVER, I have since tried, bought, and fallen in love with Koobi saddles. Everything that was good about the Flite is better with Koobi. After re-trying my Flite saddles: HOLY COW! they just don't compare to the superior comfort of the Koobi saddles. Koobis have a cut-out channel in the middle, and the Flites are by comparision, raised in the center. Sorry Flite, you have been replaced. I cannot recomend Flite, and highly recommend Koobi seats. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DirtDad
a Cross Country Rider
from Southern California, USA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Lightweight, shaped like me, great customer service. | | Weaknesses: | Not for everyone (but what saddle is?), takes time to break in. | | Similar Products Used: | Flite, SLR, Coda by Selle Italia, Vetta (OUCH!) | | Bike Setup: | Fast and light. | | Bottom Line: | The best gets better.
This review is for the Flite TT. I love Flite saddles. These have always fit me great. Saddle comfort is a very personal issue, and you can't judge a saddle based on whether or not it was comfortable to someone else. It is like the tights vs. baggies issue or something like that.
Anyway, when I got my TT it seemed very hard. I even sent it back to Selle Italia USA thinking there was something wrong with it. They actually called me at home and discussed it with me!!! These saddles take a little time to break in because of the new, light, dense foam it uses. Sure enough, a few rides later and I cannot tell this saddle from any other Flite except that it is lighter.
The suede leather on these quickly smooths out an looses all of the graphics except for the "Flite" logo on the nose.
Customer service more than makes up for tiny complaints! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Morris
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Evans of Wandsworth | | Strengths: | Light. Good ergonomic cut. | | Weaknesses: | This seemed to be regarded as THE saddle to use. It is good, but I found that i had one or two niggles that dissappeared when I swapped to a cheap 'uncool' WTB saddle. One or two other riders have since expressed the same views. I was doing about 40 miles a day, so the saddle was given a thorough work-out over the time I used it. | | Similar Products Used: | Basic WTB saddle and Selle Flite Max | | Bike Setup: | Mt Tam with XTR components and Bontrager Racelight Wheels. | | Bottom Line: |
For young riders it is an excellent saddle, and, in the UK offers excellent value. However it does have it's limitations and comfortable is critical in what can be a very sensitive area. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Field
a Cross Country Rider
from Cheltenmham
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Forest of Dean | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Light. | | Weaknesses: | V.. Unconfortable.... | | Similar Products Used: | Selle TriMatic \ Turbomatic
Code kevlar. | | Bike Setup: | Jekyll Good Boy. | | Bottom Line: | Not sure how this got great reviews. Maybe you guys don't ride many other sadles? My friend has been riding one on his full rigid Klien for about 5 years. This is incredibly unconfortable. He doesn't like it and neither do I, may be ok on a full susp but only because of the rear shock taking the hits. If you want comfort go for Turbomatic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich Matthews
a Cross Country Rider
from London
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Dorset Coast Path | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Bournemouth Mountain Bike Centre | | Strengths: | Super light weight cool looking saddle | | Weaknesses: | None that I've experienced | | Similar Products Used: | Fiz-ik, Sans Rolls, | | Bike Setup: | Kona Hei Hei, with alot of bike candy :) | | Bottom Line: | Thos is my second saddle also in about 8 years....the current one has been stripped of its leather and sponge, and left as plastic.
Just can't get rid of it...looking to buying a Flite Evolution 3 to lighten my bike up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Boudreaux
a Weekend Warrior
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint | | Strengths: | light, looks good | | Weaknesses: | PAIN IN THE ASS | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager, Selle Italia Century Gel | | Bike Setup: | 00 Klein Mantra, XTR R.D., XT F.D., Gore Cables, XT Cranks, XT Cassette, XT shifters, Shimano Deore Disc Brakes, Titec Carbon Fiber Seatpost, Titec Hellbent Handlebars | | Bottom Line: | If you are a big guy (i weigh 220 lbs.) try to avoid this seat, it hurts | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from VA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Comfortable (though it doesn't look it.)
Light.
| | Weaknesses: | A little on the pricey side - but worth every penny. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB SST.K | | Bottom Line: | This saddle is great. I'm on my second one - first one wore out after about 7 years of riding (the leather started peeling off the nose and progressively worked it's way back the saddle.) This thing looks skinny and uncomfortable but once it's broken in there's nothing like it. 5 Flamin' Chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Honolulu, HI
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$89.00 | | Purchased At: | Reviewing the TT model | | Strengths: | super lightweight (TT model) | | Weaknesses: | saddle material seems fragile (TT Model) | | Similar Products Used: | terry liberator ti | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4300 | | Bottom Line: | My review is for the Flite TT model, which has a claimed weight of 165g. Actual weight was a bit higher at 169g, but it definitely remains as one of the lightest weight saddles out there.
Previously, I used a Terry Liberator Ti Comfort saddle for a few months. I never could get used to the feel of the Terry saddle -- certain spots on my a** got sore after just a little while of riding. Not surprising, as other reviewers have pointed out that Terry saddles are optimized for women (even if it claims to be the male version!). Anyways, I threw out the Liberator in hopes for a better saddle. As a weight weenie, I refused to purchase a saddle that would weigh a lot, so I looked around and found two options: the Flite SLR and Flite TT. The TT of course weighs a bit more, but has been rated as more comfortable.
Well, I received my TT in the mail a few days after ordering from pricepoint. It sure is light! I couldn't believe I was holding a saddle as it was just super light. I installed it just fine, and quickly took a ride. Wow, no pain! I rode for over an hour and still no pain! This baby is way better than that Terry crap I had before. I've been riding for a month now and no pain!! Thanks Selle, you've definitely done your homework on the design of this saddle.
My only criticism is that the saddle material seems rather cheapish. After just a week, the material seemed to be coming off the top. I was not riding in any dirt infested area and had on smooth shorts as well, so it's rather surprising the saddle material would get this way so quickly. Time will tell if it holds up without tearing up! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josef
a Cross Country Rider
from Milpitas
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Grant Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | Classic profile,still lightweight,durable and comfortable,Titanium rails.Shaped just right.Easy to manuever in technical trails. | | Weaknesses: | Like me,it has gained a little weight over the years.Now 210gs.Still creaks.Silver stitching on new model is distracting.Slight break-in period but not really an issue. | | Similar Products Used: | Original 190g Flite Ti,Schwinn Stingray w/ cromo rails,Specialized Fatboy,Vetta Race. | | Bike Setup: | '87 Specialized StumpJumper Team/XT.'89 Mongoose IBOC Pro/XT,Deore.'89 Trek Singletrack/XT.'89 Univega Alpina Uno Pro/XT,Deore.'89 Raleigh Technium/Suntour XC Pro.'90 Bridgestone MB1/XT.'93 Specialized StumpJumper Team/XT.'93 Gary Fisher/XT,Suntour XC Expert.'95 Specialized RockHopper/Deore LX.'96 Specialized RockHopper/XT,Suntour XC Pro.'99 Schwinn Moab M3/Suntour XC Expert,XT-R,Bontrager.'00 Santa Cruz Chameleon/XT-R. '89 Paramount Roadbike/Shimano 600.'88 Schwinn Madison Track bike/Shimano,Suntour,Campagnolo. | | Bottom Line: | All the my past and current rigs listed above have been equipped with this classic seat.My weight hovers between 190 and 210lbs and I never had a Ti rail break,it's still light and it has that unmistakable profile.Sprinting or climbing out of the saddle,I never felt the weight as the bike swayed under power.Saddle is comfortable on double butted cromo framesets,bonded aluminum &'Ride Tuned'aluminum framesets with tradition seatstays or wishbone seatstays,if you want to get technical.Improves the ride of any bike,even hi-tensile steel frames.Not for comfortable for everyone though.It is a racing saddle after all.
Main gripe is the stitching,especially the new silver one.Very distracting and wears out the tights and baggy shorts.
We know it's a Flite,why all the logos?
Saddle is slighly heavier at 210gs,but not a real issue.New saddle took 2 rides to break-in,now rides fine without numbness.No Viagra needed here.
5 Flamin Chilis for Value,3 for the stitching,4 for overall.If Sella Italia went back to the classic,original look,6 Flamin Chilis all the way!!!
Does Sella read these reviews?
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josef
a Cross Country Rider
from Milpitas
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Grant Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | Priceline.com | | Strengths: | Classic profile and comfortable once broken in.Very minimalist look.Makes any bike look speedy. | | Weaknesses: | Still creaks at the rails after all these years.1 Big issue is the sliver stitching which wears away the shorts and ruins the look of this classic saddle.Very distracting.2nd issue is the weight.Didn't this seat weigh in at 190 grams when it was introduced in 1991? Now it's 210gs and cushier.It's a racing seat fer crying out loud!Why did Sella mess with a good thing? | | Similar Products Used: | Original Flite Ti,Schwinn Stingray,Specialized Fatboy,Vetta. | | Bike Setup: | I installed the newer version of the Ti Flite on my restored '93 Stumpjumper Team.I Would like to find the original,lighter version. | | Bottom Line: | Since it's introduction in 1991,all my bikes had this seat.It's still very comfortable despite it's minimalist look,still light and it always looks good.No other seat comes close after all these years.The stitching though..it's gotta go!
If I want lighter,I'm going for the Sella SLR at 135g or a SpeedNeedle carbon fiber seat at 120g! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dustin
a
from charlottesville, va, us
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | my dad's closet | | Strengths: | it is pretty comfy
lighter than most everything today
lots of character | | Weaknesses: | can start to ache your ass on all day epics | | Similar Products Used: | trek, vetta gel, bontrager stock | | Bike Setup: | beefed '01 trek 8000 | | Bottom Line: | this is a great saddle, and for not a lot of dough. this saddle may better suit you if you ride pretty agressive and can give your "sit" bones breaks now and then. good for racing if you put in some good, out of the saddle efforts. wouldnt hesitate to buy though | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Frazier
a Cross Country Rider
from Alpine, UT
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | light
abrasion resistant
comfortable | | Weaknesses: | none | | Bottom Line: | I've had this saddle on my MTB and road bike for three or four years. Everyone once in a while I'll try a new saddle or try a friend's bike. None have come close to the comfort I get with the Selle. What a product! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cory
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Chubb | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | The Touring Cyclist | | Strengths: | low weight, comfort, stiffness, durability. | | Weaknesses: | stiffness? price, too many colors and styles to choose from! | | Similar Products Used: | selle san marco era, coda junk, bontrager fs 2000, bontrager race lite. | | Bike Setup: | 2002 fuel 98 with pretty much everything possible changed, and a 2000 kona kaboom singlespeed, custom built. | | Bottom Line: | Great saddle! why keep messing around with new stuff when this one wors so well? Yeah, it's pricey, but it's worth it. Buying cheap stuff is expensive. it breaks, wears out, or doesn't work. Buy the good stuff the first time around, do yourself a favor. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
D D
a Weekend Warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | http://www.probikekit.com | | Strengths: | Comfortable (for me)
cheap
long lasting
look good | | Weaknesses: | Like any saddle comfort is persional
| | Bike Setup: | Dmr trailstar, marzocchi 01 x2 atom race, sram 9.0, magura hs33 | | Bottom Line: | I have used them for over 3 years and would not consider another saddle. I have just brought a cream one for £25.
A great saddle if it works for you, not if it hurts.
I find it is easy to manouver about the saddle. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Morgan
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA USA
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | tape worm | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | gregg's cycles | | Strengths: | looks cool, is popular | | Weaknesses: | hurts by sit bones, | | Similar Products Used: | wtb sst 2k , terry fly | | Bike Setup: | rocky mountain element race team | | Bottom Line: | Ouch.
This saddle has consistently bruised my a$$ for six months.
People keep telling me to "let it break in and its great"
but that doesnt work for me. I feel like this thing is trying to break into my butt and I dont like it.
Its not a terrible saddle, its sturdy, and looks great, but for the smae amount of money, there are saddle with the same mass, are easier to maneuver on, and are more comfortable. I think selle is living off their reputation on this particular model more then their quality. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graham
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | It's got a kind of cool, minimalist look to it. The rails are titanium- light and springy BUT... | | Weaknesses: | This has to be one of the most uncomfortable objects I have ever sat on in my forty-odd years of living! Even a recent rectal prostate examination raised more of a smile...
After every ride my nuts ached like billy-ho.
This is all a great pity as my sister had gone to the trouble of buying it for me in London and bringing it to Oz on a recent visit. Sigh! | | Similar Products Used: | WTB SST & SST XCZ | | Bike Setup: | Mount Vision XT etc. | | Bottom Line: | I simply cannot fathom why so many people love these saddles!
It didn't matter how much I adjusted my post, the excellent Ritchey WCS, I couldn't make the b*****d comfortable- every ride was a right bloody 'Squirmathon'.
My humble cromo-railed WTB SST is like the front seat of a Rolls-bleedin'-Royce by comparison. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris k.
a Cross Country Rider
from lynchburg, va, usa
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | the new one | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | bikes unlimited | | Strengths: | looks, weight, narrow profile, leather, ti rails. | | Weaknesses: | none that I can think of. | | Similar Products Used: | stock on kids trek y24. | | Bike Setup: | kids trek y24, shimano alivio brake levers, jagwire brake pads, redline platform pedals, selle italia flite titanium. | | Bottom Line: | this is a great saddle once you break it in and get the seat angle right. really nice on the technical sections.
doesn't get in the way on uphill or downhill. buy this saddle if you want a great quality product that really works well after you break it in. it takes about 2 weeks to break it in but after that it is heaven. it takes a moment or two to get used to it every ride but then it is heaven no pain. I'm 11 and it works perfectly for my butt.
test it before you buy it because it doesn't work for everyone.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan
a Weekend Warrior
from socorro
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$30.00 | | Purchased At: | preformacne | | Strengths: | light, strong, looks good | | Weaknesses: | if would be nice for it to be a bit softer | | Similar Products Used: | flite look alikes, and a really comfertable road saddle | | Bike Setup: | xt xtr freeride cross country | | Bottom Line: | nuy this saddle if you never want to buy anofter ajian due to you bending the rails. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Coeur d'Alene, ID
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Cave Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$45.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambriabike.com | | Strengths: | Sits just right for my butt, light, Ti rails give compliant ride, looks good, quality leather. | | Weaknesses: | Leather underneath came unglued straight away but did not affect fit of leather on the saddle itself. Used high-strength household cement to fix and have had no more problems. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB OEM saddle(plasticky junk) | | Bottom Line: | Feels good on my rear. This is the OEM Gel version without all of the flashy graphics. It just looks like a regular Flight with a small gel patch in the middle. Not convinced the get really does anything but got the saddle for cheap. It's much lighter than the plastic junk I was riding and it feels right on my sits bones. It is also more durable than I thought it would be; after several crashes on it, the vulnerable rear side areas are not at all scuffed. Also, the leather is not slippery and grips well but does not catch. Caveat: had to angle the nose down slightly or would catch the crotch of my spandex. This was a great ergonomic upgrade for me. Can now sit in the saddle for 2-3 hours without pain. Five flamers on value due to the great price I got on it (left-over OEM version) Beware of the gel though, it isn't really needed; just get a regular Flite. So really a 4.5 overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Heatstroke
a Weekend Warrior
from Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Pro | | Strengths: | Comfortable - ti rails, Light, Kevlar sides, | | Weaknesses: | The embroidery on the saddle wears away my tights.
The embroidery also caused the saddle leather to soften and tear due to constant moisture entry into the stitches.
| | Similar Products Used: | Flite without the embroidery and a flite trans am on the road bike. | | Bike Setup: | Toccoa 17", XT discs, 00 Z1 Xfly. Mavic 517, Real hubs, Remainder is XTR | | Bottom Line: | Comfortable, light. Get a model without all the embroidery as that caused the leather to soften and tear after a year, due to constant sweat penetration into the saddle. My other flite lasted 2+ years and it had no fancy embroidery. I will get another as my local bike shop is now offering them at about $40 each - might get 2 at that price. I give it 5 for value at the discounted price of 40 otherwise I'd give it 3. 3 chillies for overall cause of the durability problems. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Heatstroke
a Weekend Warrior
from Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Pro | | Strengths: | Comfortable - ti rails, Light, Kevlar sides, | | Weaknesses: | The embroidery on the saddle wears away my tights.
The embroidery also caused the saddle leather to soften and tear due to constant moisture entry into the stitches.
| | Similar Products Used: | Flite without the embroidery and a flite trans am on the road bike. | | Bike Setup: | Toccoa 17", XT discs, 00 Z1 Xfly. Mavic 517, Real hubs, Remainder is XTR | | Bottom Line: | Comfortable, light. Get a model without all the embroidery as that caused the leather to soften and tear after a year, due to constant sweat penetration into the saddle. My other flite lasted 2+ years and it had no fancy embroidery. I will get another as my local bike shop is now offering them at about $40 each - might get 2 at that price. I give it 5 for value at the discounted price of 40 otherwise I'd give it 3. 3 chillies for overall cause of the durability problems. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joel brackuse
a Racer
from omaha
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | a road less traveled | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | team factory | | Strengths: | I haven't found any yet | | Weaknesses: | can you spell "ouch". I feel like my hindquarters are riding a cement centerblock. | | Similar Products Used: | wtb, serfas, spec, | | Bike Setup: | moots team edition | | Bottom Line: | hoppin hootanini.....what kind of a saddle is this? I recommend that you buy this if you like the cement block in your butt sensation | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Chang
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Poo Shoot | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | TC's Bike Barr | | Strengths: | AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME! Nice on the backside and easy on your dangling bits. I use this saddle all day and I have NEVER for one second felt uncomfortable with them. They are awesome, light, but not so easy on the pocket. | | Weaknesses: | NONE!
Although saddles ARE a personal preference............ | | Similar Products Used: | Sella Italia Nitrox, Titec Bezerker, Adura (S@#T as), Coda (ripped sidewall on one fall), SDG Grand Prix. | | Bike Setup: | Trek VRX
Maz Z2 Bam
Fox Vanilla R
XTR
Sun Mammoth rims
Azonic risers | | Bottom Line: | Get this saddle for all day comfort. You can't go wrong with Sella Italia for saddles. Saddles are a personal preference thing, but I'm sure that there is a Sella Italia saddle out there that will suit your backside's requirements. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Furious D.
a Racer
from Berkeley
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Several | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$73.00 | | Strengths: | Feels good, very light, kevlar sides. | | Weaknesses: | price, $73 even w/ 25% discount | | Similar Products Used: | XO saddle that comes stock on most Rocky Mtn. bikes | | Bike Setup: | Do you really care? | | Bottom Line: | I was skeptical at first because of how little padding there appeared to be, but the design puts the padding in just the right places so I get saddle thats both comfortable and light. The kevlar sides make it strong too.
Overall a great saddle, but paying full reatail cost is a little steep. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from georgia
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | comfort,weight,design,quality,and sleek looks | | Weaknesses: | price...but in this case you definitly get what you pay for | | Similar Products Used: | specialized | | Bike Setup: | specialized rockhopper fs,lx/xt,mars c,thomson,mavic,irc | | Bottom Line: | this is a great saddle.my previous saddle sucked and i had to get another one.even now i have no regrets about how much i payed for it.it was well worth my money and i'm so pleased at how it has performed.it looks great and the italian quality is second to none.this saddle definitly makes the ride much better and i give it 10 flaming chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kell
a Weekend Warrior
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Light and looks cool | | Weaknesses: | wedge-o-matic design goes straight for your privates | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized body geometry, Serfas dual density, Vetta | | Bike Setup: | 2001 FSR xc | | Bottom Line: | I rode this saddle for years and didn't know any better. I thought it was the best thing going because my butt had become accustomed to it, but on long rides, expecially road rides I was experiencing numbness. Seems to me this thing has too much of a peak in it that cuts off those important blood vessels that run between your pelvis. To make a long story short, I needed to make sure I would be able to have kids so I switched. My attitude is that your plumbing down there is nothing to fool with. I now ride a specialized body geometry that makes my cheeks a little raw but no problems in the plumbing department, I also have a serfas arc dual density saddle that is designed well. Bottom line is, don't suffer with this saddle just because it is cool. My rating is for this saddles fit to my butt, my butt is pretty narrow and skinny so all I can say is try this seat before you buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Rosenfeld
a Cross Country Rider
from Walnut Creek, CA USA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance | | Strengths: | Light weight.
Superb human factors engineering.
Lithe and sexy. | | Similar Products Used: | Vetta saddles | | Bike Setup: | 1994 Cannondale F700 | | Bottom Line: | This saddle came out shortly after I got into mtn biking. It has been the standard in comfort ever since, and there is a very good reason why. The first thing I noticed when sitting down on this saddle is that my weight was concentrated on my "sitz" bones. They are called "sitz" bones for a reason, you should be sitting on them and not on all the tender, soft flesh containing the nerves that make your willy hard. Those of you complaining about this saddle hurting your sitz bones, that's exactly what it's supposed to do, and if you want to keep the wife happy for years to come...
This seat was easier on my nads than the cutout Terry Fly saddle. It's light, it's proven, get it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JP
a Cross Country Rider
from RSM, Socal
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Whiting | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$80.00 | | Purchased At: | Emery's in Milwaukee | | Strengths: | Fits my butt | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't fit everyone's butt | | Similar Products Used: | SDG Grand Prix, Bontranger bought in 1989 | | Bike Setup: | Superlight, Z1 X-Fly, XT drive train, Avid brakes, Mavic 221s/XT hubs, Thomson Elite, Titec Hell Bent | | Bottom Line: | I've been using a Flite on my road bikes since 1989, but never on a mountain bike. After several road rides during the rainy season here I got back on my Santa Cruz and realized the SDG didn't fit so well. My sit bones ain't where the SDG be. I put a Flite TI on the Santa Cruz and have loved it ever since.
I really hadn't considered that the SC has a plusher ride than my road bikes, so padding was not the issue that it had been on my hard tails. The Flite has worked well.
There are a couple of points worth noting: 1) I weigh 125 and run my Fox at 65 psi; 2) getting the angle right is REAL important; 3) when I lock out the rear suspension I realize how minimal the padding is; and 4) the slender front is not always a comfortable spot when making those really steep climbs.
In the end though, it's that my butt fits the Flite. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BQ
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus,OH,USA
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any road with few cars | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Nashbar | | Strengths: | size, shape, looks | | Weaknesses: | fit | | Similar Products Used: | various trek saddles | | Bike Setup: | Lemond Zurich with Speedplay X2's and a triple | | Bottom Line: | This saddle leaves me in pain a day after using it. Feels pretty good during the ride, but it just doesn't fit my sit bones right.
Based on suggestions here, I switched to a Terry Fly, which is a good fit for me.
Overall, this isn't a bad product if it works with your backside.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: April 12, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any with dirt and a great view | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$64.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Very comfortable, once you have broken it in. I was unsure at first , but just give it time and it will seem to mold to
you and get very comfy. | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | many! | | Bike Setup: | Intense Uzzi, XTR to the hilt, Thomson stem and post and a bunch of other parts.
| | Bottom Line: | I am really glad I bought this seat and even more glad I gave it time. You may not like it at first, but it really does get to break in after about 5 good rides.I have tried many others and even the ergo seats. If you give this time and position it a couple different times,you will eventually like the feel.Good looks too! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott Frazier
a Cross Country Rider
from Alpine
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Gooseberry Mesa, UT | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Strengths: | Light
Comfortable
Durable | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized (ugh!) | | Bottom Line: | For four years I've had one on my dual suspension and one on my hardtale. Superb product. Comfortable and light.
Every once in a while I'll think that I ought to try one of the ergonomic, cutout saddles. Nothing compares with the Italia Flite! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: February 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | San Gabriel Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$40.00 | | Purchased At: | Performance (on sale) | | Strengths: | Comfort, lightness | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Stock Specialized saddle (UGH!) | | Bike Setup: | Stumpjumper, XT, Panaracer Smoke and Dart tires | | Bottom Line: | Very firm, but it fits! For long MTB rides, I find the lack of padding an advantage - better for the circulation. The Ti rails have some flex and soak up a noticeable amount of vibration compared with CroMo rails (but still a very rough ride with an aluminum hardtail!) Though I've made a real effort to look after it, there have been lots of the inevitable crashes, and the leather cover has stood up well, only minor cuts and scuffs. All the fire-roads and trails around here average a 10% grade, so lightness is important to me.
If you want a quality, light seat, I recommend you try the Flite, especially if you can find it on sale! The ratings reflect the $40 I paid, not the list price.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Kennedy
a Racer
from here, there, everywhere
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | ??? | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$54.00 | | Purchased At: | performance bike | | Strengths: | the light weight, looks, comfort, durability | | Weaknesses: | logo on the side of the seat has been rubbed off | | Similar Products Used: | selle stratos, wtb | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Raleigh M80, Judy, xt/xtr, nukeproof hubs,mavic rims, rockshox post, selle italia flite seat, w/ti rails | | Bottom Line: | this seat is great. at first it seems a litte uncomfortable, but then 10 minutes into a ride it turns into heaven. no pain! i bought it because it was the lightest seat in the catalouge, and as it turns out, it rocks! i did an endo on a paved road going 15 mph and the seat only has a few small scratches on it! i expected it to be ripped wide open, (the reason why i needed to buy it was because i ripped my last one wide open on a rock) but it held together! i love the look of this seat! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raul
a Cross Country Rider
from Tijeras, New Mexico
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Strengths: | weight, looks | | Weaknesses: | uncomfortable (for me) | | Similar Products Used: | Avocet O240R, Cinelli, Vetta, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Rockhopper, mostly LX, Marzocchi fork | | Bottom Line: | This is probably a great saddle for a good many people, unfortunately, I'm not one of them. It just doesn't fit me right and I get some serious pressure point spots. It's too bad since the saddle would be great otherwise | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Duncanville, TX
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | it's a secret | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint | | Strengths: | Comfy | | Weaknesses: | None that I can tell | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager | | Bike Setup: | Strong Racing custom steel hardtail, XTR and other good stuff | | Bottom Line: | After suffering for years on the Doberman head torture device called the Bontrager I decided to try something different so I bought this. I can't believe how much more comfortable it is. Classic good product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Artur Nogueira
a Cross Country Rider
from Maia-Portugal
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Light, durable, comfortable | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Titec Bersekr, San Marco Aero | | Bike Setup: | Merlin Taiga, CrossMax UST, Sram 9.0sl group, z4 air fork, race face and itm components, time pedals | | Bottom Line: | One of the best saddles in the market. Very comfortable and durable.Any model os the Flite lineup is allways a good purchase... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick Hutchison
a Cross Country Rider
from North Vancouver, Canada
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$32.00 | | Strengths: | Light,fairly rugged. | | Weaknesses: | I already had one flite which I had recovered and decided to buy another. After two rides I had a fall which resulted in the rails pulling out of the base. Not a happy camper! However I managed to contact the North American distributor in Bremerton WA who for $3.20 U.S.(return postage) will reinsert the rails!! What excellent customer service. | | Similar Products Used: | Titec Beserker, Selle San Marco Bontrager Ti | | Bike Setup: | Rocky Mountain Blizzard with XT/Race Face/Syncros | | Bottom Line: | Comfortable, well built saddle with suspension properties. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RandyA
a Cross Country Rider
from Detroit, MI USA
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any... and all... | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$55.00 | | Purchased At: | PerformanceBike.com | | Strengths: | Light, comfortable, simple | | Weaknesses: | Takes a few minutes to get used to, but once you do... the strengths kick in... | | Similar Products Used: | Stock saddles on my bikes... WTB SST.X & Coda 900 | | Bike Setup: | '00 GF Sugar4 & '99 C-dale M500 HT w/ RST XMO | | Bottom Line: | I have to admit that the first time I mounted it, I thought it felt a little too hard. I was figuring that my first ride was going to be a long arduous one. Little did know that after about 10-15 minutes I hardly noticed it. Then after that 2-hour first ride, I dismounted and didn't feel any pain or numbness I used to feel with my other saddles.
Now after my second ride, I think it feels better than before. Go figure...
This is a great saddle IMHO. I like it's light weight, slim profile, and general comfort. Yes, it takes a few minutes/moments to get used to. But I think that once you do, you'll like it too.
- At $55 w/ Ti rails & leather, I'll give this a 5 for value.
- I suppose I'd give it a 4 for overall, since it takes a little adjusting to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rod
a
from cny
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$35.00 | | Purchased At: | cambria | | Strengths: | fit and comfort as well as light. No seams or stiches to make it less comfy. | | Weaknesses: | Not a seat for the long haul but no manuevarable atb seat is! It is awesome for comfort for a performance seat. When I got, it I wondered with the thin layer pad ,but after a couple rides , im in love, and woody is still a happy guy! | | Similar Products Used: | generics ,gt race plush (stock) | | Bike Setup: | gt aggressor with a g-note+ of upgrades | | Bottom Line: | I bought the base line flite after reading the past reviews on here. DO NOT BUY ANY OTHER SEAT UNLESS UR DOIN CORNFIELD MARATHONS! Im a 220lb fat A** and this seat is great! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christopher
a Racer
from Niagara Falls
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Light, once broken in it fits great. | | Weaknesses: | Long rides, you go numb | | Similar Products Used: | O2 Air, Koobi, Strada.. | | Bottom Line: | This seat rocks for rides lasting under 2 hours. More than that and the little man nods off. I ride a ridiculous amount, and only today has the seat finally given up.. the support in the centre has sunken to the point where I am on the rails. Might try the Flite Gel or put my Koobi on. Buy this seat if you have a tuff ass or a steel frame. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Slim Tree Shadow
a
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | Here it is, the butt line -- I mean bottom line: 77 miles of riding, 7,000 feet of climbing, over 11 hours in the saddle. My ass hurt like hell I ain't gonna lie to ya... but not as bad as I thought it would. This saddle is the picture of simplicity and it works! Very comfortable and just gets better with age.
Do yourself and favor and put some oil on that leather! Keep it nice for long time. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
carlos
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, Texas
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | 700 acres | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike World | | Strengths: | -comfortable
-light
-cool colors | | Weaknesses: | none at all. | | Similar Products Used: | WTB, Titec | | Bike Setup: | '98 Litespeed Obed | | Bottom Line: | Comfortable, light, and tough. Nice long nose for climbs and narrow rear for descents. No stupid Kevlar or gel to add weight. I've crashed mine tons of times on rock and the leather is still holding up after 3 and a half years. My other saddle has faired the same. And if you sit your "butt bones" on the widest part of the saddle you'll find that the whole gel/cut out/comfort zone/enrgonomic sadddle gimicks are for SUCKERS!
If you broke the Ti rails then you probably didn't use Ti-prep, did ya?
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Freddy
a Cross Country Rider
from Cebu, Philippines
Date Reviewed: August 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere a bike can pass | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$65.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | One comfortable saddle once you get used to it. Not all riders appreciate the width and the feel. | | Weaknesses: | takes a little more breaking in than other cushy saddles | | Similar Products Used: | Flite Trans Am Ti. | | Bike Setup: | C'dale caad4, full dura ace, cinelli bar, coda stem(stock),thomson seatpost | | Bottom Line: | At first the flite does not at all look appealing. It takes some intimate time with it to get to know it. But, once you get used to it, there's no parting with it. I use one on my road bike and i use one on my mountain bike and i keep an extra saddle around just in case. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett
a Racer
from Tampa, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | great feel for very long time | | Weaknesses: | damn thing couldn't withstand being tumbled after I was hit by a car. | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale, more upright road bike for sprinting | | Bottom Line: | I have used this Flite saddle since I purchased it in 93. I liked it imediately and haven't had to think about comfort since (the best saddle is the one forgotten about). It has been sturdy and dependable for over 7 years, but took a hard blow by a nissan sentra, and now I must update it with a 2000 version. best for more serious riders.the thin, firm feel takes some getting used to. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russ
a
from Boston,Ma
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | good feel between your legs,great leather.. | | Weaknesses: | ti rail snapped after 2 years...i'm only 160 lbs.!!!! | | Bottom Line: | for the price of this saddle,it should have held up better..
i've emailed selle italia for warrantee...i'll let you know if they respond and what they did for me..my rating is based on the mfg.doing nothing for me..as it stands,i don't recommend the purchase of this pricey seat.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Ruster
a Racer
from Elkton, MD
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Fair Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Quality construction and materials. I immediately get the impression that this saddle will last a very long time. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle San Marco, WTB, etc. | | Bike Setup: | Selle Italia Flite Trans Am - the Flite with ti rails and a center cut-out.
| | Bottom Line: | When this saddle arrived in the mail my first thought was that it was too firm to be comfortable. Its not. For my anatomy this is the most comfortable seat yet. It supports me correctly - the first seat that I have not experienced any numbness with. Even on 5+ hour rides it is so comfy that I completely forget that it is there. That is a pretty high complement for a saddle that only weighs around 240 grams.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Iyam Nobody
a Cross Country Rider
from VT
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | comfortable and light | | Weaknesses: | ummmm.... they wear out eventually. | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager, Vetta, misc. OEM junk | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed rigid | | Bottom Line: | A good saddle is a personal thing - it depends on your shape as much as the saddle's. For some reason this seat just fits right. The only problem I've ever had with it is that my legs have worn through the leather on the nose. I've had that saddle for well over 5 years - it still works, I just put a lycra cover over it and moved it over to my road bike. I've done 100+ mile rides with it in complete comfort. It may be a little firm for the occasional rider but once your callouses are developed it can't be beat. Good price too! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Miles
a Cross Country Rider
from New Braunfels, Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Government Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | lightwieght, good fit, strong, good looks, well made | | Weaknesses: | none known | | Similar Products Used: | avocet racing 1 | | Bike Setup: | 1993 bridgestone mb-1, 1999 marzocchi atom bomb, xt top mount shifters, xtr front/rear derailleurs | | Bottom Line: | this saddle is the standard by which all others are judged. it is the perfect mountain bike saddle. i prefer the avocet racing 1 for road riding, though, because of the amount of time actually spent on the saddle. i still have my first flite saddle from 1993. it is still in good shape structurally, but has wear on the leather sides from crashes. this saddle, and variations thereof, is the only one that i will buy for the rest of my life. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
"Mad Dog"
a Racer
from Marietta,GA
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | light | | Weaknesses: | numbness after long rides
| | Bottom Line: | This seat is rock solid and I have enjoyed using the product. It is light and a relatively cheap product at around $50 mail order. For racing, this is one of the best products on the market. For training, I am considering switching over to a Specialized geometry wedge because it appears like it could help the discomfort I experience on longer traing rides | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Perfect shape, lightweight, cool design on my Pantani model | | Weaknesses: | Price is a bit high | | Similar Products Used: | Bontrager | | Bike Setup: | Road Bike is a Bertoni frame with Campy and Mavic parts | | Bottom Line: | This is an all-time classic that continues to be the best saddle out there despite new designs that come out every year. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel Boscacci
a Racer
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hwy 1 South | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Lightweight, Superior quality | | Weaknesses: | Not the most comfortable saddle on the market, I finally swapped mine out with a Flite gel. The smooth flite is a little slippery after a while...so be careful. | | Similar Products Used: | Flite Gel, Turbo, Turbomatic, Avocet O2 | | Bike Setup: | Lemond, Merlin, Fat Chance, M2 Pro | | Bottom Line: | This was the industry standard for lightweight and craftmanship, but now there are better saddles that are a bit more comfortable. With such an important piece of equipment, be sure to see if the Flite is too hard for your posterior...most people end up buying them and selling them a couple months later because it is too hard. Nevertheless, it is worth giving it a try. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Parker
a Racer
from Oswego, NY ('Swigo, for those who know)
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | South campus in Syracuse, NY | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Hmmm, let me see: a saddle that's lighter than almost anything you set it against, AND the most confortable thing I've ever used. Did I mention no male related problems? | | Weaknesses: | so far havent found anything to complain about. really! i havent! (but i have a buddy with the "perforated" flight, it got clogged with mud, and didnt clean very easily. plus its get that annoying squishyness assoiated with anything wet. but not to worry: just get the leather one!) | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing can compare to this. i had a specialized team saddle before this, and a padded road saddle, if you want to count those. | | Bike Setup: | Yeti arc with full xtr, mavic 217 rims (cheap, light, strong, WHY would you shell for 517's?) syncros post, shimano clipless. (can anyone really remember what number they have? they're all "something-fourty-somethings") and my beloved selle itallia flight. | | Bottom Line: | This saddle is the best! i ride alot of bikes just to test them out and see how different things work. never before have i ridden anything like this. you look at the thing and wonder how hard it is.. you touch it with your finger and grimmace.. but when you get on the thing its completely unbelieveable how anything that STIFF can be so complately comfortable. its worth it!!! the price is less than saddles alot heavier and alot less confortable. and i've found out why, i think. touch your saddle, it's curved, isn't it?? (on the top) the selle itialla is pretty much flat, which means your "sit bones" lay perfect on it, NO NUMBNESS! that alone stands the saddle apart, as far as im concerned. perfect for racers, because its thin and light. perfect for recreational riders, because its retively cheap for what you get out of it, and no worries about bed time with the girl friend.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
D.L.O.
a Racer
from S of Durango,CO USA
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Molas Pass-Silverton area | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Durable,long lasting seat.
Comfortable if positioned properly
very light weight(mine weighs in at 185grms and it's vanadium!) | | Weaknesses: | Minimal padding,will be uncomfortable
if improperly positioned,long nose will catch
shorts.
| | Similar Products Used: | Vetta,Bontrager | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale CAAD3 Ultegra,Spinergy wheels. | | Bottom Line: | Been using this seat for 5 years.
When properly positioned it can be a
wonderful seat but will be most irritating
if not set up right.I usually set the nose
slightly down to prevent groin problems.
Not much padding and thick padded shorts are
recommended.The lightness cuts alot of top
weight.I think the newer Selle padded seats
may be more comfortable but i'll have to try it.
This seat is getting cheaper on closeouts
lately.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Deren Campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta Ga
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | chicopee | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Light weight. Good shape. Has taken a good beating with no bent rails. | | Weaknesses: | Not much padding. Don't even think of using one of these without padded shorts. | | Bike Setup: | Seven sola | | Bottom Line: | I would definetly recommend this saddle. I will most likely get another for my next bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Racer
from Downers Grove, IL USA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Light and relatively comfortable. Although 8 hours in the saddle leaves you a bit numb. | | Weaknesses: | Comfort on long rides! | | Bike Setup: | Cherry Cherry Bomb - Campy Chorus | | Bottom Line: | Great saddle for racing, but for touring I'd like a little more padding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore
Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | El Moro | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | COMFORT, light, durable, everybody in the Tour de France uses it. | | Weaknesses: | Leather beginning to wear after 5 years (HA) | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale saddles | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Raven 1000sl | | Bottom Line: | Was pissed when some ass stole my seat and seatpost. A buddy of mine demanded that I buy a Flite saddle. It was soooo much nicer than my old saddle. I couldn't believe it. I just got the Raven and it came with a crappy CODA saddle that I immediately swapped out. Haven't had any saddle related male probs yet. I highly recommend it for road or MTB riders. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
adam
a
from denver
Date Reviewed: March 13, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Light, comfortable | | Weaknesses: | wish it had scuff guards | | Similar Products Used: | You name it, I tried it | | Bike Setup: | Trek 1200 | | Bottom Line: | I have tried 6 different saddles during the last year after my old Vetta TriShock came apart. I was not sad to see it go. All the saddles I tried seemed comfortable at first but after a few miles would cause severe discomfort. I kept trying different designs: Gels, cut outs, split seats etc. None of them would stay comfortable more that 10-15 miles. They all seem to big and skwooshy (is that a word?). I have a Specialized Revolution on my mountain bike which is very comfy, but I was not able to find another one in any of the catalogs.
As a last resort I tried Selle Italia Flight. When I was buying it, I was thinking to myself HOW CAN THIS THING BE COMFORTABLE? IT IS HARD AS A ROCK, NARROW, AND LONG. Well after over 200 miles on this thing, I can tell you that this is the most comfortable saddle I have ever had. I can not explain why. All I know is that it shape puts pressure where it is suppose to and it is very easy to find a good position. It also gives me better control of the bike because it does not sway and flex as much as all the others I tried. At the same time, it isolates road shock well. I have no idea how they do it.
What can I say? If you are having a hard time finding a right saddle give this one a try. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RICHARD SIMMS
a Racer
from WILLIAMSBURG, VA 23185
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | If you knew I'd have to kill you | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Comfortable, Light weight, Good Value,
Italian...not Chinese! Old World quality and craftsmanship! | | Weaknesses: | Huh? | | Similar Products Used: | Tried most of them. | | Bike Setup: | AMP B-4/F-4-full suspension. Grip SHift-7, Nuke proof carbon hubs, Mavic 360 rims (648 gm. front wheel), Control post and bar, Super light home made cranks and levers, Continental tires. An honest 22-23 lb. | | Bottom Line: | My Flight weighs 190 gm., though I'm sure they vary. Mine came on a used bike I'd boutght, and I thought it would feel like a piece of railroad track. I'd been on a "Turbo" which I had abeen told was known for its comfort. My family jewels went so numb, on the Turbo, that I was suffering sexual dysfunction. I assumed, from the super light weight and profile of the Flite, that it would be worse. Nothing could have been further from the truth. In fact, it was immediately apparent, that it was the most comfortable seat I had ever sat upon.
I finally figured out that seats are like helmets, both bicycle and motorcycle. They fit some people really well, some people not at all, and a little of everything else in between for the remainder. The fact that so many people find the Flite comfortable proves that it isn't an uncomfortable saddle. Like helmets and heads, prostates and saddles may or may not get along. Also, like helmets, one needs to try them out to find what fits your particular anatomy. Next to my Flite, the next most comfortable, for me, is my Velo (via Supergo) titanium railed Flite-clone. It cost $10, weighs only 10 grams more than the Flite, and is 99+% as comfortable for me, as the real Flite. The fact that a seat is not comfortable to a few people does not make it a bad, uncomfortable seat. Only if a vast majority of people agree on the discomfort, is there any "proof" of an uncomfortable saddle. As shown by my cheap Taiwanese Supergo/Velo Flite-clone, cost is irrealivant. If it works for you, go for it!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Romeo Felicano
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfield CA USA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Rockville Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Light weight, comfortable. I have ridden this saddle for going on 10 years now. Granted, I am on my second one now. It is wide enough to be supportive, and narrow enough to be out of the way on steep downhills. I am also glad that the price on this saddle is a lot less than I bought mine in 1991 for-$160. They go for around $59.00 or less nowadays. | | Weaknesses: | My current Flite has the leather cover coming off beneath the shell in the nose. Must be the glue. | | Similar Products Used: | Selle Italia Turbo, Titec Berzerk'r, Club Roost Team Ti saddles | | Bike Setup: | 1998 Klein Pulse Pro with 98 Manitou PRO-C, 9spd XT, Kooka Bonnie cranks with 9spd Race Face Racerings, FSA Ti BB, SPD PD-M545, Dia-Compe 733's, Profile fastback post, Flite saddle, of course, Performance TOPO Ti flat bar, Titec Shorty, Spin Ceramic Composite wheels and Panaracer Fire XC Pro's-25lbs/2000 Supergo Access Ti/XTR derailleurs, Sram Plasma 9spd shifters, Avid Arch Rival 50 brakes, Race Face Turbine LP cranks, XTR/DT Revolution/Mavic silver 217 wheelset laced radial front; 1/2 3X drive, 1/2 radial rear.
Easton CT2 Carbon flat bar, Azonic ORC stem, Flite Ti saddle, Dean Ti seatpost, FSA Ti BB, Ritchey WCS Ti pedals-22lbs.
| | Bottom Line: | This saddle is the best saddle that I have tried. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel vingerling
a Racer
from netherlands
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
mont Brione | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
It's light and it looks good. | | Weaknesses: |
its to hard and that not very fine | | Similar Products Used: |
fizik | | Bike Setup: |
Zaskar Le | | Bottom Line: | its good for people with steel asses | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
derek
a Cross-Country Rider
from delaware
Date Reviewed: December 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any singletrack | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | My butt likes it - and who am I to argue with an ass? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Iowa City, Iowa
Date Reviewed: October 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
sugar bottom-Iowa City, Brown's woods DSM - may it rest in peace. | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Light weight
Attractive Looks
Comfort, Comfort, Comfort | | Weaknesses: |
The Occasional Creaks | | Similar Products Used: |
Vetta SL
Vetta TT
Vetta Gel-whatever was on a 92 Trek 2100 | | Bike Setup: |
95 GT Zaskar LE
Litespeed Catalyst
Ciocc Time Trial
GT Fury | | Bottom Line: | The Flite Ti is the be all and end all of bicycle saddles. As soon as my first flite broke in I new that I would have one on all of my bikes. Like others have said the leather can get scraped up, but I have never had mine peel off and I have been riding flites on four of my bikes. The only problems I have ever had is my oldest flite creaks a little, and I am having a hard time locating a brand new Flite Trans Alp for my new mountain bike, but other than that, with a Flite you can't go wrong. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: September 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Indian Creek | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Comfortable
Light | | Similar Products Used: |
Vetta TriShock
Vetta SL, SP
WTB SST (OEM w/steel rails)
Kona Light (Velo) | | Bike Setup: |
Litespeed Obed
Fisher Big Sur | | Bottom Line: | I have this saddle on 2 bikes because I've found it to be so comfortable. I just put it on the Fisher and find it much more comfortable for me than the WTB, although that one was OK too. Not only is it comfortable, but it's also about the lightest saddle out there which is important to me. My 2nd ride on the newest Flite I got was a 7-hour epic. I found out afterwards I didn't even have the seat tilt and height adjusted to how I prefer, but my rear was the only part that wasn't sore after the long ride. It's tough to get 5 chilis from me, but this one has earned it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff N.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Venice, CA
Date Reviewed: September 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
the next one I ride | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Shape
Weight
Looks | | Weaknesses: |
probably not the strongest saddle | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized Body Geometry
Selle Italia Turbo | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Adroit (no suspension front or rear) | | Bottom Line: | I love this saddle. I rode the stock bontrager saddle for a bit then switched to the Specialized Body Geometry (the bike is a friend's I'm borrowing until mine is built and he wanted to put the Specialized on). The specialized anatomic saddle made my butt numb an hour into every ride. I had put well over 1000 miles on my Selle Italia Turbo (road bike) so decided to try the Flite.The saddle feels great (definitely firm) and the long thin profile reduces pedaling friction while still allowing you to scoot up for those gnarly seated climbs. The weight and looks are awesome and make a highly functional saddle even better.Last night I came around a turn to see a chain across the trail that wasn't there on the way up. I made it out okay but one of the rails on my Flite broke free of the rear mount and bent in the process. The seat was unsalvagable but I really liked every other aspect so I picked up another one today (perforated leather; this makes your butt STICK to the saddle like there was velcro in action; very cool if you want more saddle traction).Five chilis overall even though it's not the strongest (can't expect too much with such a light saddle). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross-Country Rider
from Springfield, Virginia
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Wakefield | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Comfy Strong Took a while to break in but once it got there personalized fit | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
Fizik Specialzed body comp | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 6000 Rock Shox Jett T2 Rock Shox Seatpost | | Bottom Line: | Awesome seat for the money could of used kevlar cornors but its cherry all the way around | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Missouri
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Light, comfortable, rugged. | | Weaknesses: |
None, but saddle fit is personal. | | Similar Products Used: |
Vetta tri-shock, Bontrager Race and various *stock* saddles. | | Bike Setup: |
Various: Merlin Road, Trek 8900, GT Talera. | | Bottom Line: | I use this saddle on my road, MTB and commuting bikes. Very comfortable and durable. I rub a little mink oil on the saddle every couple of months. Tried the Bontrager Race but it doesn't hold a candle to this tried and true design. No wonder it is a consistent best seller. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross-Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Anywhere | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
The best saddle bar none - light, comfortable, strong | | Weaknesses: |
Takes a while to break in - but once it's broken in - it's your personal property | | Similar Products Used: |
Vetta TTT, Body Geometry Comp, Coda, Fizik | | Bike Setup: |
Lodestar Team, XTR, Race Face, Rock Shox SID | | Bottom Line: | Had this for a long time - since '93. Been through a really bad road spill, all kinds of weather, all kinds of rides. My Flite has taken it all and is performing beautifully. Just bought the Body Geo Comp after all the hype surrounding it. Switched back to the Flite after 1 ride (maybe the Comp will similarly take time to be broken in.... don't know). But this is the best saddle bar none - I won't even switch to the newer designs of the Flite - I guess the old saying why fix it if it ain't broke (and is working so well) applies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JACEK
a Weekend Warrior
from Oshawa
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
dagmar | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
well made
light
good looks | | Weaknesses: |
Little hard on long rides | | Similar Products Used: |
some other saddles, don't remember | | Bike Setup: |
98 schwinn homegrown all tricked out..
USE seatpost. | | Bottom Line: | I have purchased this saddle in 94, it's 99 and it's preforming as well as the first day I got it. The only thing about it is that sometimes in 96 i fall and scrape the leather a bit at the back - people were saying that the leather will come off soon do to the scrape - they were wrong, it's holding up great. This year i'm upgrading to the 99 model of flite titanium gel, and the only reason for the upgrade is me getting sick of the black colour. So my black 94 flite will go on my second bike. I'm a very happyuser of flite, and it accually lasts. I would recomend this saddle to anybody who is looking for a light, durrable, good looking saddle... I just wish they had all those colour combinations back in 94... I think that this saddle will outlasts fiew of my bikes - and that's a really good reason to buy it... I'm giving 5 stars for this one, keep up the good work Selle Italia.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luke Gracie
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, MD
Date Reviewed: June 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Park and Ride | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
•Lightweight
•Long
•Customer support | | Weaknesses: |
•Takes a while to break in
•One of the Titanium rails broke | | Bottom Line: | I got this saddle for Christmas, I took it out for a ride the next day and took a hard fall on the ice. Unfortunately one of the rails broke but Selle Italia replaced the saddle for free no wuestions asked. This saddle takes some getting used to but once broke in it is great. I give it 4 chilis. Minus one because my first one broke. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
>_<
a Weekend Warrior
from SDCA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Shoe | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Very well made, light, rear end very supportive. | | Weaknesses: |
A tad skimpy on the padding. | | Similar Products Used: |
Specialized Prolong | | Bike Setup: |
Selle Italia Flite saddle and Thomson post | | Bottom Line: | Update: 2 weeks and abt 180 miles later, I got to know this saddle more. I found out that if I set my seatpost to 0 degree tilt, the Flite points upwards, catching my shorts quite often when I kick off. Solution is setting it to abt 12 degrees nose down. Just enough to keep my shorts from snagging but not to make me slip off the saddle continuously. I also found out that for shorts with liners (which I prefer over tights) I have to make sure to wear the liner like a second skin or it will bunch up and start to irritate me. This never happened with my old Specialized saddle. Still, nothing to complain about. Am not sure anyway if it is a saddle issue or maybe my riding position changed when I switched seats. My biggest praise aside from the craftmanship is I like the way the rear of the saddle supported me better when I am trying to put more traction/weight on the rear wheel esp. when climbing loose surfaces. The saddle is breaking in well. I sprayed the saddle cover with a leather jacket treatment chemical from Wilson's Leather Store. The decals are still on btw, not that I care if they come off. 5 stars now that I know the saddle better. | | Overall Rating: |
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